Madison Music Camps to offer professional instruction, choice of electives
More than 200 youth enrolled in Madison Music Camps in 2013. James Clemens High School will host the camps on June 9-13. (CONTRIBUTED)
MADISON – At Madison Music Camps, youth can expand their musicianship and meet lifelong friends in an experience normally available only on university campuses.
James Clemens High School will host the camp on June 9-13 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. “We had over 200 students participate last year,” camp director Stuart Tankesley said. Tankesley is James Clemens’ choir director and assistant band director.
Any student entering grades 6-9 interested in band or choir music can attend the weeklong camp. Students are not required to have previous music experience.
Students can register for choir camp or beginning band camp, along with advanced band camp open to students with one year minimum of band experience.
Professional musicians from the area will instruct students. In addition to singing or playing in a large ensemble, students can choose electives, like conducting, beginning piano, jazz band, marching band, show choir and learning a secondary instrument.
Band director Gwen Rakoff from Liberty Middle School will teach and coordinate the beginners’ camp. James Clemens Band Director Keith Anderson is camp coordinator for advanced band. Liberty’s Marla Jenkins is coordinating choir camp.
Voice instructors will include Martha Brouse, University of Alabama in Huntsville; Randall Fields, Bob Jones High School; and Meg Jones, Buckhorn High School.
Instrumental instructors will be Taylor Keeton, Hartselle Junior High School, flute/oboe; Robin Cotton, Madison Band Supply, clarinet; Jonathon Willis, St. John’s Catholic School, saxophones and bassoon; Marsha Asquith, Meridianville Middle School, French horn; Skylar King, Westminster Christian Academy, trumpet; Billy Bargetzi, professional trombonist; Donald Dowdy, Monrovia Middle School, euphonium/tuba; and Leigh Thomas, Bob Jones, percussion.
These professionals also will offer small-group master classes. The Army Material Command Band will perform this year.
Camp fee is $150, which includes tuition, instruction from professional musicians and music teachers, lunch and a camp T-shirt. All proceeds will benefit James Clemens music programs.
Registration deadline is May 31. For more information and brochures, email to stankesley@madisoncity.k12.al.us or visit jcjetsband.com. Students can discuss camps with any music teacher in Madison City Schools.
